Many people hesitate between buying a property or buying a plot on which to build a new house, however, very few think that there is another alternative that you may be interested in knowing: demolishing an old house to build a new one on it. But how much does it cost to demolish a house?
Well, we will tell you that, on many occasions, buying an old house and renovating it is a good decision but demolishing the house and building a new one can be in some cases even cheaper. We tell you everything you need to know.
If you already have a slight idea of what a comprehensive renovation can cost you (if not, here is our “budget calculator for comprehensive renovations“), you may be exploring other possibilities such as the one we are proposing. Demolishing a house is a major undertaking, so not only must you take into account the price, but it is also necessary to know the requirements that must be met according to current regulations before starting the journey.
Legal requirements for demolishing a house
In terms of demolitions, constructions or renovations, the reference regulations that must be taken into account is the Technical Building Code (CTE). This document sets out the basic requirements that buildings must meet in order to be considered safe and habitable. But you have to bear in mind that in the different autonomous communities there may be variations, since there may be urban planning and land use laws specific to each territory.
That’s why it’s important to inform yourself before starting any action. What is clear, regardless of the region in which you are located, is that in order to demolish a house you will need a demolition or demolition project so that the corresponding town hall allows you to carry out the work. This task is carried out by a competent technician, i.e. an architect or technical architect, or an engineer or technical engineer.
His role will be vital, as he will be in charge of carrying out and endorsing the project.
Finally, it is important to mention that the demolition of a house not only includes the physical demolition of the structure, but also the removal of the waste and debris generated and the cleaning of the land. Therefore, it is important to consider these additional costs in the estimate. The project carried out by the architect or engineer will include a Health and Safety Study, and also a Waste Management Study. Once this procedure has been completed, it will be necessary to apply for a building permit at the town hall, with the payment of the corresponding fee.
Price of demolishing a house
The price of proceeding with the demolition of a property depends on several factors. For example, the type of property is a very relevant conditioning factor: it will not cost the same to demolish a single-family house without one floor as a house between party walls and several floors.
On the other hand, the types of work that have to be done to safely tear down the house can also increase the price. Another factor has to do with the means used for the demolition since it is not the same to use mechanical means as manual ones.
If the neighbors of the house to be demolished have new houses, the demolition is easier and there is less risk of damage.
As a curiosity, we can tell you that there are also differences between the different municipalities when it comes to establishing the conditions of rubble dumping. The ideal is to ask for several quotes and choose the most suitable one.
How much does it cost to demolish a house?
The price of demolition of a home can range from 10,000 euros, in the case of small houses and an easy demolition, to 50,000 euros, for more complex demolitions, such as in the case of buildings with adjacent buildings. The cost of demolishing a building can be between €50 and €100/m². In general, the price of demolishing a house with a surface area of 150 m² could be between 7,500 euros and 15,000 euros.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, the price of demolition can also vary depending on the location of the property. If you are in a built-up area, there are likely to be more restrictions and legal requirements to comply with, which can increase the price of demolition. On the other hand, the cost of the waste generated in demolition can also affect the final price. The price of transporting and disposing of waste can vary depending on the location and the amount of waste generated.
Continuing with possible costs that may arise when demolishing a home, it is important to bear in mind that the price of demolishing a house can also vary depending on the location of the property, since if it is located in a densely populated area, the price may be higher due to the permits and requirements necessary to carry out the work safely.
Finally, it is also important to mention that the price may vary depending on the type of contractor or company hired to carry out the demolition. Therefore, it is advisable to get several quotes and compare before making a decision.
Advantages of demolishing a house
Demolishing a house to build a new one can bring a multitude of advantages. We explain some of them. The first is that you can design your home to your liking to fit exactly what you want in detail. In addition, in some cases it is possible to reuse elements of the previous construction. The new home will be more efficient since it will be possible to adhere to the regulations from the beginning because we are starting from scratch. Another advantage that users like a lot is that they tend to be safer and more durable homes.
When demolishing a home, safety is essential and, therefore, a series of guidelines must be taken into account. The use of safety nets has to be essential and it is very important that the neighbors know in advance that there is going to be a demolition, and that the executors are experienced professionals together with the corresponding insurance who are in charge of doing it.
Inconveniences that can arise when demolishing a house
Another factor to consider is if the house to be demolished has any type of contamination or hazard, for example, if it contains asbestos or lead in its structure, this can significantly increase the cost of demolition as special safety measures and procedures are required to handle and dispose of these hazardous materials.
It is also important to mention that the demolition of a house can have impacts on the environment and the community, so it is essential to ensure that you comply with all applicable environmental and health and safety regulations.
At Kaleidoscope we are experts in comprehensive renovations in Valencia with more than 20 years of experience. We accompany you throughout the process of creating your new home.
Although demolishing a home may seem like an attractive and inexpensive alternative compared to a comprehensive renovation, it is wise to consider all the factors involved and get several quotes from different contractors before making a decision. Of course, having a proper financial plan to cover the costs involved and avoid unpleasant surprises will bring you the greatest peace of mind as well.
If you’re considering giving your home a new lease of life, you can start from scratch in a variety of ways. If you end up opting for a comprehensive renovation, creating the home of your dreams will also be a unique and exciting experience in which Kaleidoscope wants to accompany you. Contact us for more information or try our free tool to plan your renovation!
